Day 5: "A Small Country, With a Big Problem"
Yoav told me this after I mentioned how small Israel actually is (1/19 the size of California). I came here with my eyes wide open, soaking up every bit of detail that I could. Open minded about who is right, and who is wrong. After driving through Gaza, and speaking with people here, it is my opinion that the diengagement potentially could benefit both sides. Unfortunatelly, the settlers have gotten caught in the middle of Israeli politics, and it is really sad to see families have to move from their home.
This is a democratic government, where the law is dictated by the peoples will. The majority of Israel, as well as international law have said that these settlements must be dismantled, and handed back to the Palestinians. It is a gesture of peace to a neighbor that needs help. The next stage will be to connect Gaza with the West Bank, to strengthen the Palestinian economy, and build a strong cohesive government. If the Palestinians don't trust their own government, peace here will only be temporary. I hope that this unilateral gesture of peace is reciprocated, and that compromise, not inspired by violence, continues.
posted by mykstax at 1:11 PM
7 Comments:
"The majority of Israel, as well as the United Nations have said that these settlements must be dismantled" You lose credibility by relying on the UN, the most corrupt institution under the sun to decide anything for the Israelis.
" After driving through Gaza, and speaking with people here, I have decided for myself that although difficult, it is the right thing for the Israeli settlers to leave these occupied lands". Big decisions after only 5 days of observation, don't you think?
"It is a gesture of peace to a neighbor .." Exactly the opposite: this decision was reached because peace cannot be achieved. The disengagement will make sure that the new line/border is easier to protect.
"..build a strong cohesive (Palestinian)government.." and what if not? What if terrorist attacks will continue? What if the PLA won't be able to control the weapon wielding organizations? Will you change your mind?
Thanks for a great job. Amnon
1:00 PM
Regardless of the UN being corrupt, it has documented the lack of effort on Israel's part in peacemaking efforts with the Palestinians in the last 20 years. I believe that dismantling the settlements is an effort to bring peace, AND to protect the borders. While it is sad to watch people lose their homes, I think it could be the beginning of two nations living separately, but peacefully. I agree with you Mike, I think that this could potentially be the beginning of a new form of hope for the Palestinians, though there is no way to tell.
I've enjoyed reading tis Mike. See you Saturday.
Brittany
1:38 PM
Brittany, does "Oslo agreement" mean anything to you? Israel agreed to give back 96% of the teritories to the Palestinians. Do you call this "lack of effort on Israel's part in peacemaking efforts with the Palestinians in the last 20 years?". You just made my point that the UN is not only corrupt. It is also worthless and useless.
"I think it could be the beginning of two nations living separately, but peacefully." In case you are not aware: the celebrating Palestinians are wearing Tshirts with the slogan: "Today Gaza, Tomorrow Jerusalem". What a peacful statement. BTW, these shirts were financed by the.....UN!Thanks, Amnon
1:56 PM
I doubt there will ever be peace in Israel/Palistine. Perhaps Israel, by throwing down an olive branch rather than an axe, is starting peace rathar than war? Peace has to start somewhere by somebody does it not? I know that a some percentage of the Palistinians population believe Israel should simply be driven into the sea, but that won't happen and the Palistinians have to know that. If Israel keeps getting attacked by Palistine after giving up this settlement, then maybe Israel should abandon plans for giving up any more. I would just like to see some reciprocation (peace) on Palistines part for this gesture.
Good photos Mike, Keep 'em coming!!
Be safe!
Leon
7:01 PM
Hello Mike! I work at GeoSyntec in Oakland, and was very interested when your dad mentioned that you were in Israel. I cannot comprehend the experience that you are having being there and witnessing this. Being an American Jew, who has visited Israel, it is hard to understand the experience for the settlers. Having a country that you feel a spiritual connection to, and watching a part of it be given away, is very troublesome. The thought of someday possibly never being able to visit the Western Wall, or to go through the Old City is heart breaking. After the second intifada started, and there were bombings in locations like Ben Yudah Street (where I would spend my Saturday nights with hundreds of people while visiting), I would lose a little bit of me thinking that another young adult would not get to see the beautiful community life experienced there. Nowhere, even in the United States, have I ever experienced that feeling. Why don't I move there you may ask? For a part of time, I wanted to, but the opportunities and comforts that we have in the United States can be found nowhere else and the sense of community is something that can be brought back, but not vise versa. I am fortunate to be living in this country free to do what I chose.
The difficulties in Jerusalem lie in the fact that Israel has a place in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. How can you divide or stake claim to a specific location that two groups deem holy? What we must realize, is that Israel is a young state. Think of how long it took the United States to develop to the democracy it is today. Maybe 200 years, and there are still issues of equality and inner conflict.
Will the giving up of the Gaza lead to peace? Part of me says, no way, Israel fought hard for these lands, but part of me wants to see steps being taken for peace, if it means giving up some land. Only time will tell. I have enjoyed reading your blog and I look forward to hearing more of your experience. Please be safe.
10:19 PM
Thanks for your comments. I agree, five days here is a short amount of time to make a decision about the state of the Middle East. Most of what I know about the situation here comes from years of reading. Luckily, the weight on my shoulders is light, and my opinion on the situation here doesn't make a bit of difference on the outcome. It's just what I feel is the right thing to do. It’s a divisive issue, and obviously thousands of people strongly disagree. I am looking at this situation as a secular outsider with no connection to the land here. No one knows what will happen in the future, and no one has all the answers.
I'm sure the violence will continue because militant organizations like Hammas and Islamic Jihad see violence as a tool for negotiation. They want the entire West Bank, as well as Jerusalem, and won't stop until mission accomplished. These are holy lands that some how need security and must be shared, and I don't see Israel giving up East Jerusalem.
The government’s motivation for the pull out is multifaceted. It is a symbol of peace; it increases security by solidifying its border, and increases the ability for Israel to retaliate against terrorist attacks. The majority of the Israeli people here admit that this is a difficult time for the country, but support Arial Sharon's decision.
It might be a stupid move, the Gaza border with Egypt could be a passage for arms, Gaza could become a base for terrorism, but how long can you sit on your hands waiting for something to happen. It's a gamble, but one of the most important facets of this disengagement is that it secures Israelis international credibility (especially with the US) that it really wants, and is willing to negotiate for a peaceful Middle East. Mike
2:13 AM
Thanks for your comments. I agree, five days here is a short amount of time to make a decision about the state of the Middle East. Most of what I know about the situation here comes from years of reading. Luckily, the weight on my shoulders is light, and my opinion on the situation here doesn't make a bit of difference on the outcome. It's just what I feel is the right thing to do. It’s a divisive issue, and obviously thousands of people strongly disagree. I am looking at this situation as a secular outsider with no connection to the land here. No one knows what will happen in the future, and no one has all the answers.
I'm sure the violence will continue because militant organizations like Hammas and Islamic Jihad see violence as a tool for negotiation. They want the entire West Bank, as well as Jerusalem, and won't stop until mission accomplished. These are holy lands that some how need security and must be shared, and I don't see Israel giving up East Jerusalem.
The government’s motivation for the pull out is multifaceted. It is a symbol of peace; it increases security by solidifying its border, and increases the ability for Israel to retaliate against terrorist attacks. The majority of the Israeli people here admit that this is a difficult time for the country, but support Arial Sharon's decision.
It might be a stupid move, the Gaza border with Egypt could be a passage for arms, Gaza could become a base for terrorism, but how long can you sit on your hands waiting for something to happen. It's a gamble, but one of the most important facets of this disengagement is that it secures Israelis international credibility (especially with the US) that it really wants, and is willing to negotiate for a peaceful Middle East. Mike
2:13 AM
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